Librarians trained to drive Uganda's digital reading revolution

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Community librarians from across the country have undergone specialised training to digitise library services, enabling even the remotest communities to tap into global information resources and transition. 

The two-day workshop which took place at the end of last week from 19-20 June held at Pope Paul Hotel, Ndeeba-Kampala brought together 15 librarians and board members from five pilot libraries from across different regions of the country for a capacity-building programme under the Uganda Community Knowledge Project, an initiative, spearheaded by the Community Libraries Association of Uganda (COLAU) in partnership with Book Aid International. 

“The world is moving digital,” said Catherine Amia, coordinator of COLAU. 

“We can no longer limit learning to physical books. Today, users can simply click a link and access hundreds of books, stories, and educational tools.” 

COLAU, an umbrella body representing over 150 community libraries across Uganda, is working to ensure that underserved communities are not left behind in the digital revolution. The association has championed digital inclusion through several innovative projects. 

Amia says among the most significant is a partnership with Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and the National Library of Uganda, which has enabled 16 libraries to each receive 10 computers and free internet access for a year. 

She noted that last year, five libraries under COLAU received 10 digital gadgets each, preloaded with storybooks, thanks to support from Book Aid International, with limited internet connectivity. The devices emit a Wi-Fi signal that users can connect to, offering a portable library experience. 

“Children in these communities accessed online books for the first time, and their excitement was incredible,” said Esther Kyazike, director of Kawempe Youth Centre and treasurer of COLAU.

Catherine Amia, coordinator of COLAU.

“We saw a renewed interest in reading, and even teachers started picking interest in the resources. Currently, the number of readers is way too big for the tablets we have at our libraries across the country.”

The two-day workshop focused on empowering librarians with digital skills on how to use the devices, upload new content, and curate reading sessions using online tools. As each of the five libraries caters to a different community, the programme also emphasised customising content for local needs. 

“Every locality has its own focus—some target children, others women, others agriculture or health,” Kyazike added.

“The goal is to bring our heads together and build a platform that serves everyone’s needs.” 

While the digital transition has yielded promising outcomes, it hasn't been without hurdles. The major challenge has been limited gadgets compared to the demand. With just 10 tablets per library in each region and growing interest from children and teachers, many centres struggle to meet user needs. 

“Imagine opening a library and children are running in to explore, but there are only a few tablets,” Kyazike explained.

“We need more support to keep the momentum.” 

She also highlighted that Language barriers have also posed a challenge because most of the digital books are in English, yet many children in rural communities speak local languages.

However, Kyazike noted that COLAU is already addressing this by training librarians to upload local-language content and encouraging the sourcing of multilingual materials.

Another challenge faced with the digitalisation of libraries is Internet connectivity, according to Kyazike.

She noted that although UCC has extended internet to some libraries, several still operate in regions with weak or no signal.

“In some libraries, the Wi-Fi is unreliable. We appreciate what’s been done, but we need more consistent support.”

Due to digital immorality and misuse, COLAU is exploring options to create family-friendly portals where children can access age-appropriate materials without distractions or harmful content, a concern all parents are always afraid of in this digital.

She, however, encouraged parents to use parental controls on their children’s devices and continues to build a model that supports remote, safe learning. 

The Uganda Community Knowledge Project, funded by Book Aid International, is part of a broader mission to promote online literacy, bridge information gaps, and inspire a reading culture in underserved regions.

“The aim is simple—provide access to knowledge where it’s most needed,” said Amia.

“With these new digital tools, we are levelling the playing field for learners across Uganda.”

The workshop not only allowed participants to reflect on achievements and challenges but also to share ideas, solutions to challenges faced and draw inspiration from one another.

“Some participants have already picked up new strategies to take back to their libraries,” Amia noted. “This exchange of ideas is as valuable as the gadgets themselves.”